Thursday, October 23, 2008
Ok, it wasn’t really a party like you would think, no hotdogs or sunbathing, but we got some great pictures out of it. So it was more a party for my camera. These two gave the beautiful friscolating sunset a run for it’s money. Impressive, since the sun is so much bigger and, well, brighter. I suppose I should be sensative to the sun’s feelings and not make judgmental comparisons, so let’s just say the sun and Daryl and Heather made a great team. Goodness, I’m personifying the sun… Let’s move on to pictures before I get any more strange.
Mm hm, there’s that sass.
While I’m all about protecting our wilderness areas, you gotta be a rebel now and again.
This is where the couple/sun double-team starts to really shine. No pun intended. Honest.
Heather shows what standing by your man is all about.
Shadows are underrated.
Details, details.
Hopefully you both enjoyed your last day at the beach as much as I did.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
It seems that these two may have picked one of the BEST days of the year to get married. Mid-October and in the high 70’s with the sun shining, it was just a gorgeous day. Adam and Amanda get extra kudos as well since they are the first couple of mine to want downtown shots at night. Let me tell you, I was more than happy to oblige. So we were able to get out a couple times and get some great shots with the two of them. Here’s a few from their day:
This is my reaction to putting on make-up as well.
“… My feet are prettier than yours.” I’ll let you guess who said that.
Surrounded by all these beautiful women, he is one lucky guy…
Fun and games with backlight.
The no-look on-the-run lucky shot.
This is what we were able to get at night. We only shot a few, but, oh man, are they worth it.
Three cheers for long shutters and the couple who could be still enough to stay sharp in the picture! You guys were great!
I have known Brad and Lindsay before they were even dating, heck, before they even knew each other. They may look familiar to any blog-followers, since I have shot many a film with Brad. This of course means that Lindsay will be on set at some point by default. Since they are both always behind the scenes, I was anxious to have them in front of a lens and struttin’ their stuff.
The trick - just forget the camera is even there. These two are just so comfortable with each other. Get ready for a lot of color in these shots.
B.P. showing Lindsay how to rock the model look.
This photo almost feels like it was taken in the 70’s. I would apologize for it being so grainy, but I’m not going to. I think it’s cool. So there.
And last but certainly not least - this is Lindsay showing up Brad. All attitude, I’m so proud of you..!
And soon you two will be married. Time flies.
That’s a wrap for the talent, let’s give em a hand.
Yes it is a Foo Fighters reference, but aptly used. A few days back, I remembered that the Kierkegaard book I had checked out from the library was not due, but OVERDUE (if you haven’t figured out by now, Ryan = nerd). I got into the car and started driving over and began looking around when I realized the light outside was beautiful, made better by the big dark clouds moving through. So I high-tailed it the rest of the way and then back home to grab my camera. There is a great old barn a little ways away that had just been reconditioned and I have always thought it would be cool to shoot. I also just love barns. Tensions were high as I raced against the clock and the waning sun. The cosmos had conspired against me and I was now moving 800 mph (approximate speed of the earth’s rotation at my particular latitude) away from the shot I was after… Now take away the useless information for a non-dramatic translation: the sun was setting and I had only a little time to get the shot.
This was the only real shot I was able to get before the sun dipped below the tree line. Obviously I fooled with it a little, but most of that’s natural. Nothing beats the light of the setting sun.
The sky was still pretty and I was already out, so I kept playing. You can just see the tinges of red in the clouds as the sun sank.
So why the Foo Fighter reference? Because while they are pictures of the farm, they still rock! Which brings me to the similarity between ME and cow - both cheesy.
As a member of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, I was able to get a sneak peek at the new installation of Richard Avedon’s photographs. Avedon set the bar as a fashion and portrait photographer. He is a spectacular artist who constantly pushed the limits of his craft and is responsible for styles that photographers incoporate today, even if they don’t realize it. As a special guest speaker, they brought in Nigel Barker. You may know him as the photographer and judge on America’s Next Top Model. Cool, huh? If you live in, around, or heck, within the greater midwest area of this lovely nation you should come and see this exhibit. Why? Here’s three shots to convince you.
Avedon himself. This man was not afraid of self-portraits. I should take a hint. Do you see a picture of me on my site?
Ok, is this not an incredible shot?! I will answer for you. The answer is YES.
Yes, Dylan alone makes a cool picture. But with Avedon behind the lens, I could have no idea who this guy is and still want to be his groupie.
Thirsty for more? Come see the exhibit now through January 4 at the GRAM.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
As I was finishing editing their wedding, I ran across one that I just had to quick throw up here. Mike and Melinda, your wedding will be up for you to see in a matter of minutes. Not that you will see this before that time, but on that off chance…
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we had to have the party of the century. A no-brainer: we would go bowling.
As you can see, it was a good thing we made reservations last year - the place was packed with A-list folks.
Here she is, the reason we are all in goofy looking shoes.
Jon was green with envy over my mad bowling skills.
He kicked my butt on the second game.
Mike prepares to send 9 lbs. zipping toward the pins at a whopping 10 mph.
Tiff in action. Amazing form.
Justin bemoans the one that got away.
Guess what I got her for her gift - a custom Ryan Prins mixed tape (on CD) and some of my photography prints. You can’t put a price on that… Happy Birthday Tiff.
Friday, September 26, 2008
I’ve only got a short minute to throw these shots up, but wanted to get some pictures up for Mike and Melinda. They were a really laid-back, chill couple, which fits me perfectly. They had some dark locations, giving me a few (welcomed) challenges. Time to let the D3’s high ISOs shine like nature intended. Here’s a quick glimpse of their day -
Some details…
How can you not love the All Stars?
The first time I saw the sand thing done was for one of my best friend’s wedding and have been a fan ever since.
First time to have a bride and groom in my studio on the wedding day
M&M = Mike and Melinda… get it?
I think this made a killer black and white
.
A little fun with candle power.
There you go, you two. A few of my favs. The rest are on the way…
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
So, yes, I have been negligent again in blogging - surprise, surprise. So time to play catch up… again. If you see me, you are allowed to slap my wrist.
And what a way to jump start than with this couple. I cannot wait to shoot this wedding. Ben and Rachel are a great couple that I have been lucky enough to get to know even more since they are good friends with my brother. I just let them loose in a few locations downtown and here’s what we came up with. Fun people? I’ll let you decide for yourself.
The looks on their faces say everything… awww.
A little color never hurt anybody.
Did I not tell you? Just plain fun people. Go Knights soccer.
I did an engagement session with Adam and Amanda a while back and am just now posting pics from it. We had a good time trekking all around the covered bridge out in Lowell. They put up with me well, so I know we will have a great time at their wedding! Here are a few shots,
Backlighting and creative cropping can do marvels for a sketchy location. As my memory serves, this fence (which I love) was surrounding a cemetery. Not usually first place you’d go to do engagement pics… Fortunately, the two of them make it look quite a happy place.
Fun solar flare goin’ on
A lesson to all men - choose your words carefully when your significant other has her elbow in striking distance.
Be on the look-out, you’ll be sure to see plenty more of Adam and Amanda in a couple months. Can’t wait!